Master’s Degree in Communication, Behaviour and Credibility Analysis

This unit introduces the Six Channel Analysis System (SCAnS™) – the multiple communication channel model for analysis that has been validated for use in high- stake contexts. It will also introduce a conversational approach that has been designed to aid interventions for behaviour assessment and ‘amplify’ leakage across all channels (due to cognitive/emotional load).

This unit focuses on attentiveness, and how applying it can help you create the conditions to analyse behaviour accurately so that we can more objectively manage an interview or conversation. It covers the knowledge, practice, and benefits of mindfulness, and how remaining present and becoming aware of biases and emotional states can increase the success of interactions and support emotional intelligence.

This unit examines the relationship between psychology and physiology. You will learn how thinking and feeling processes are mirrored in physiological processes, and how this can support the assessment and understanding of the behaviour you can see and hear. You will also investigate the latest technology being utilised in the field of emotion and deception, and assess their strengths and limitations.

This unit examines emotions and deception in respect to the ‘Facial Expressions’ channel of communication. It will highlight some of the key theoretical concepts and wider debates around emotional facial expressions, the universality of expression, and other aspects of facial displays including their function in communication.

The unit will also introduce the student to the Facial Action Coding system and its application in the analysis of human behaviour and facial research in many contexts.

This unit investigates the different interviewing methods, frameworks, and models that are used throughout commercial and policing contexts, highlighting significant overlaps with related psychological research areas.

This unit explores the various linguistic theories and approaches used in order to analyse language, language use, and the acoustic qualities of the voice in relation to emotion, influence, credibility, and deception.

This unit investigates the different models that have been developed to scope and measure emotional intelligence. Opportunities are given, throughout, to critically assess the validity of the approaches. Students are also given the opportunity to explore how these models can be applied in order to manage and influence one’s own emotions and the emotions of others (especially when the goal improved interaction).

The masterclass module of the MSc aims to consolidate core units covered throughout the MSc into two days of practical application. It also introduces, through engaging activities, those units that are yet to be covered. Under the support and guidance of their peers, tutors, and facilitation teams, students will be challenged to put their knowledge and skills to use in the classroom and real-world environments. Students will be introduced to and assessed in, the use of various methodologies for analysing and reporting on behaviour (with and without technology), as well as engaging with individuals with the aim of uncovering deception, raising awareness of emotional states, and identifying behavioural areas of interest.